Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster has formally requested an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to support state and local responses to Hurricane Helene. The declaration, if granted, would enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program to assist residents in several counties affected by the storm.

The counties listed for potential aid under the Individual Assistance Program include Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Chesterfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Oconee, Newberry, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg. This program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to residents who suffered uninsured property damage due to the hurricane. It may also cover other needs on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, the request includes categories A, B, and F of the FEMA Public Assistance Program for state and local government agencies as well as eligible non-profit organizations. The counties covered under this part of the request are Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester, Colleton, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick,

Newberry,Oconee,

Orangeburg,

Pickens,

Saluda,

Spartanburg,

Union,

and York.

The Public Assistance Program aims to reimburse applicants for unexpected and extraordinary costs incurred during disaster recovery. FEMA covers 75% of these expenses; the distribution of the remaining 25% will be determined later.

Governor McMaster's request also includes grants from FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program intended to reduce the impact of future disasters.

"This is an initial request for federal assistance through FEMA," said Governor McMaster. "If approved additional counties may be added based on need."